East Central Indiana targets quality of life initiatives to reposition for new manufacturing jobs

ANDERSON, MUNCIE, NEW CASTLE. The Regional Planning District — which includes the mayors of all three cities as well as other government, business and community leaders from Muncie, New Castle and Anderson — launched a plan for working together to reposition for new manufacturing jobs earlier this month. Each of the three East Central Indiana cities has existing assets become attractions for businesses and workers. They also have existing Manufacturing assets that can be retooled and strategically leveraged to rebuild the region’s future economy–something the coalition is positioning as “The Manufacturing Triangle.” Among the high points of the plan: Retool education for future advanced manufacturing, strengthen focus on target industries, reinvest in urban neighborhoods and prioritize quality of life investments. The plan lays out key regional projects, along with catalyst projects in each community including redevelopment of Muncie’s former near-downtown Chevrolet plant, boosting manufacturing training accessibility, and developing a strong corridor between downtown and Ball State University, among others.